Jet It lands in Canada
After growing from a single jet and two employees to a fleet of ten airplanes and a workforce of 65 in the US, Jet It has launched its disruptive business model in Canada.
Travel Courier caught up with Jeremi Austin, director of sales and operations in Canada, to learn more about the company’s hybrid ownership program and white-glove private jet service offered at a fixed hourly rate of $2,200, with no additional reposition, fuel surcharge, or landing fees.
During a time when some travel businesses are downsizing, Jet It is experiencing growth. Tell us a bit about launching in Canada and how you’ve grown during the pandemic?
The pandemic has helped drive demand for private travel with the desire for a safer and more controlled environment. The need for travel still exists and for many supporting their business and employees the options have been limited.
Jet It is able to meet these needs with a exceptional level of service at an industry leading rate. In the last quarter for 2020, Jet It added six new aircrafts to its fleet including one in Europe with our sister company Jet Club. We have expanded sales and operations to the west coast as well as north of the border to Canada to support the demand.
Our team continues to expand to support our growing customer base and geographic reach. Sales and operations have now expanded to western US and also north into Canada. We now have over 65 employees to serve the growing numbers of owners and aircraft in our family.
Jeremi Austin
What kind of opportunities do you see by expanding into the Canadian market?
By extending the network, owners in Canada will enjoy a greater range of access to their destinations in the comfort and safety of their own aircraft. Whether it is a main route or to one of the many remote and underserved locations in Canada, owners will enjoy a much quicker, more comfortable and safer way to arrive at their destination. This is particularly true while airlines are scaling back operations and routes during COVID-19 making it more difficult or impossible to get to their destination. Additionally Jet It owners can enjoy privileges across all of North America and now Europe with Jet It’s sister company, Jet Club. No matter where owners travel they will have the opportunity to enjoy the same consistent and familiar quality experience.
How have you changed or pivoted strategies or the way you operate during the pandemic?
Our number one priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew members and employees. We ensure at all times that we follow the latest public health and regulatory guidance. This includes items such as deep cleaning and sanitization before and after all flights, pre-screening questionnaires, the use of face masks by crew and passengers, regular hand washing and sanitization by crew members. Additionally passengers can bring their own food and beverage or enjoy a selection of prepackaged snacks and water.
How are you adapting in preparation for the future of travel?
Jet It recognized the opportunity where people want and need to fly privately but do not want to purchase the entire airplane. During the pandemic this demand has continued to grow rapidly, and in many cases fast-tracked the conversations. With planning in place for growth the team has been able to navigate and adapt successfully as the interest continues to increase. By harnessing the latest in innovation and support with the HondaJet Elite we are able to provide an unmatched experience as we continue to expand the network, sales and operations. We have made flying privately in your own jet more accessible than ever before. With our commitment and passion for changing the way people move we will push the boundaries of what is possible with the future of travel.
Why do you think private jets fit the bill for what travellers are looking for from a post-pandemic vacation?
Our model is shaping the future of travel by providing a safer, more convenient and cost effective way to travel. Jet It owners travel on their schedule and terms. They enjoy the privacy, comfort and convenience of their own aircraft with no surprises. This will greatly enhance the entire vacation experience while significantly reducing the stress and inconvenience of traditional airline travel. Further this will open up a tremendous amount of destinations or experiences that are not serviced by traditional airlines. Owners can create that distinctive and special vacation that was not previously available. We provide consistency at an expected cost which is unmatched in the industry making more possibilities a reality when planning leisure travel in the post pandemic environment.
